TN Required Boat Safety Equipment Guide

Responsible boaters care about the safety of everyone onboard. In Tennessee, the boat operator is responsible for making sure that all legally required boating safety equipment is on board. Dealing with the required boating safety equipment might not be the most fun part of boating, but nothing can ruin the fun faster than being unprepared out on the water. Stay safe, be prepared for boating emergencies, and avoid a pricey ticket by using this Tennessee boat safety equipment checklist.

Disclaimer: This article is for your reading enjoyment. Please refer to the The Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities and The TWRA website for official information.

1) Wearable Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)

Life jackets for everyone! The boat must have at least one US Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device for each person on board. Here are some additional requirements and regulations for life jackets.

Check for “USCG-Approved” label. Some life jackets, watersports vests, fishing vests, and ski/floatation belts are not USCG-approved. While these floatation devices can be used, you’ll still need a USCG-approved alternative onboard.

PFDs must be in good condition, readily accessible, and the correct size for each passenger based on their body weight and chest size.

Children 12 and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times unless the boat is anchored, aground, or moored.

USCG-approved PFDs must be worn on Personal Watercrafts at all times (PWCs=jetskis, waverunners, sea-doos, etc.).

2) Throwable Flotation Device

Vessels 16 feet and over (not including kayaks and canoes) are required to carry a USCG-approved throwable floatation device (Type IV). This item must be quickly accessible because they are designed for emergencies. Popular throwable floatation devices include boat cushions and ring buoys.

3) Fire Extinguisher

With flammable fuels, close quarters, electrical systems, and the potential for vast distances between you and emergency responders, boat fires are no joke. A functional and accessible fire extinguisher can stand between you and disaster. A Marine Type USCG Approved fire extinguisher on most boats and recommended on all.

Vessels with model years 2018 or newer must carry a 5-B or 20-B extinguisher. Older vessels may carry 5-B, 20-B, B-I, or B-II rated fire extinguishers in good, serviceable condition. Refer to this Boating Regulations and Safety page from the TWRA to determine which type and how many fire extinguishers your boat requires.

4) Navigation Lights

The proper boat navigation lights must always be present and functional. The required boat navigation light laws vary depending on the type of vessel, but for the sake of this article we will focus on the requirements for powered vessels less than 39.4 feet long.

Red and Green Sidelights that are visible from at least 1 mile away. These lights signify the port side (red) and starboard side (green) of your vessel so other boats can determine your position and direction of travel. Many boats come with these lights, but if not, make sure you purchase and install them.

All-Around White Light OR a Masthead & Stern Light: These white lights simply help others see your vessel. Boats under 39.5 feet can display an all-around light or both a masthead and stern light.

Required boat navigation lights must be on when operating a boat between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility (rain, fog, etc.). Vessels less than 23 feet must also display an all-around white light when anchored.

5) Sound-Producing Devices

Vessels less than 39.5 feet (including PWC) must have an efficient sound producing device. Examples of sound producing devices include air horns, whistles, or installed horns.

You might be wondering, when are boat sound signals used? In restricted visibility (ex: darkness, heavy rain), a prolonged blast alerts other boaters that may be unable to see you that your boat is underway. A prolonged blast can also be used as a warning signal to other boats that you are coming around a curve, exiting a tight area, etc. Five or more rapid blasts signals danger or disagreement with another boater’s intentions.

Engine Safety Equipment

These items deserve a place in this article because they are important, but they differ from the other items on this list in that they are installed and part of your engine system.

Backfire Flame Arresters are required on vessels with inboard engines. You must have one on each carburetor. They prevent fire or explosion in the engine compartment if a backfire occurs.

Ventilation System: All gas-powered vessels with enclosed engine compartments or fuel tanks must have a ventilation system. Boats that fall into this category that were built after 1982 are required to have power ventilation systems, so you likely already have one. Remember to use your blower for 4 minutes before starting the engine and after fueling.

Recommended Boat Safety Equipment

Anchor & Line/Chain: Even if you don’t plan on anchoring your boat for recreational purposes, it’s smart to have one onboard in case you need to hold your position due to engine failure or bad weather.

First-Aid Kit: Be prepared for scrapes, cuts, bites, headaches etc. with a basic first-aid kit equipped with bandages, OTC medicine, and disinfectant.

Map/Compass: If your boat doesn’t have a GPS system, it’s a good idea to have these navigational tools on hand in case you get lost and don’t have phone service or battery.

Flashlight/Spotlight: Some extra light could be useful in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations.

Sunscreen: Keep some extra sunscreen on your boat just in case.

Extra Water: Always bring water and pack more than you think you’ll need just to be safe.

Serrated Knife: To cut yourself free if the propeller or anchor line are tangled up.

Weather App: Use a reliable weather app to check weather conditions before hitting the water.

Visit Bunch Marine for all your Boating Equipment Needs

Bunch Marine is a family business, owned and operated by people who grew up on the lake. We know how important boating safety is and we’re here to help you gear up before hitting the water. Find high-quality boating safety equipment for great prices at Bunch Marine. Plus watersports gear, tubes, floats, and more to crank up the fun!

Bunch Marine is one of the biggest boat dealerships in Tennessee, located just down the road from Knoxville in Harriman, TN. We have a wide selection of bass boats, wake/ski boats, and pontoons, a full marine pro-shop with everything from electronics to life jackets, and a boat service department to keep your vessel running right.